Our morning beauty regimen should always include the Word of God; speaking His truth into our very soul. So many individuals have adopted the “Word Of The Year” practice where after prayer and discernment, a word helps to guide their prayer and spiritual growth through the year. I’ve been doing this for several years now and after a few years of words that centered around inner healing, this year, I was surprised and delighted that JOY will be at the center of my spiritual focus this year. Biblical joy is choosing to respond to external circumstances with inner contentment and satisfaction. God will use these experiences to accomplish His work in and through our lives.
Merriam Webster defines joy as “the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires; the expression or exhibition of such emotion.”
However the Biblical meaning of joy, in contrast, is not a fleeting feeling with worldly roots. Joy is rooted in knowing who God is. With complete submission to Christ, our heart’s will get as much attention as our primping does. When our souls are at rest with God’s truths, we are content and filled with inner joy. In 1Peter 3:3-4, we hear Peter speak of inner beauty and how it should be the center of our focus.
Do not seek to adorn yourself externally—by the braiding of your hair and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothing. Rather, let your adornment be of your inner self, the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.
1Peter 3:3-4
Our beauty is of great worth in God’s sight when we are gentle and quiet of spirit. What a powerful truth to ponder, but I’m not sure people would describe me using the words “quiet spirit”. So, what does Peter mean here? (I looked it up ;)) Gentle here means “restrained power”. A woman who is gentle and quiet of spirit has control. She surrenders her circumstances to Christ and trusts that He is working everything out for her good.
Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.
Henri Nouwen
Today, as you check your hair in the mirror, before you walk out the door, check your soul as well and see if it’s carrying the right amount of joy for the day’s journey.
Love this Linda! We always say when someone leaves the house “Find joy in something!”